C-5M scoops up in-flight data for NASA

by Senior Airman Charles Rivezzo
60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

10/9/2015 - TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Officials from Lockheed Martin and Travis Air Force Base successfully recorded in-flight noise and vibration data onboard a C-5M Super Galaxy Sept. 24, ensuring that the recently upgraded airframe was still compliant with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration requirements.

According to Brian Austin, a Lockheed Martin representative assigned to the 60th Maintenance Group, the objective of the test was to collect interior noise and vibration data to verify that the C-5M Space Cargo Modified (SCM) cargo compartment still met the vibroacoustic requirements set forth by NASA.

In order to record the data, engineers strategically placed 12 microphones, five single axis accelerometers and four triaxle accelerometers throughout the aircraft's specially modified cargo compartment.

Austin added that while the data gathering facet of this test has been deemed a success, the data is currently being analyzed to verify the aircraft's compliance.

One of only two C-5Cs - an aircraft specially modified to carry satellites and other large cargo - the aircraft recently returned here after being retrofitted with General Electric CF6-80C2 engines and modernized as part of the C-5M Reliability Enhancement and Re-Engining Program.

Because the new engines provide the C-5 with 22 percent greater takeoff thrust - potentially altering the vibrations generated within the cargo compartment - Air Force Space Command raised concerns that the aircraft be reevaluated to verify the aircraft sill met NASA requirements.

NASA is currently one of the C-5C's largest customers and has utilized it to carry satellites, components of the Space Station and the Hubble telescope.

Unlike traditional C-5s, the C-5M-SCM's aft troop compartment was removed and special modifications were made to their rear loading doors, creating a larger cargo area that can accommodate and transport the Space Container Transportation System.

The need to record the vibratory environment of the cargo compartment primarily stems from just how tight the SCTS canister is placed into the airframe. On average, the clearance between the canister and the walls and ceiling of the aircraft is approximately one inch, leaving little wiggle room should the cargo shift within flight. On and off-loading from the aircraft is an operation that can take hours to complete as the canister is basically inched out of the cargo bay.

Currently, C-5M-SCM serial number 68-0213 is the only aircraft suitable for SCTS transportation as 68-0216 recently departed to undergo the RERP upgrade and is not slated to return until late 2017.